A key feature that may interest organisations is passkeys, a new method for signing in to websites and apps across all Apple devices.
Apple claims that the new passwordless approach will eliminate the possibility of breaching user accounts through data breaches since the digital passkey that replaces alphanumeric passwords are never stored on a server, only on Apple’s hardware.
Passkeys function like FIDO hardware-based keys. Apple said a different passkey is generated every time a user creates an account with a website or app and is unique to both that service and the user.
Whenever users create a passkey, a unique digital key is created that stays on the device and is never stored on a web server, so hackers can’t leak them or trick users into sharing them, Apple said.
The new feature will also allow owners of Apple hardware such as an iPhone to use passkeys to log in to services on non-Apple devices using their iPhone, for example.
Although passkeys are unique to each service and user, and are stored on hardware, they work with Apple Keychain technology meaning the same passkey can be stored across multiple devices.
Passkeys also present a way to prevent phishing attacks. Phishing websites, for example, will not be able to steal passkeys because the digital key will only be registered to the legitimate domain.
Aside from passkeys, Apple is also beefing up collaboration by introducing Shared Tab Groups. This allows users to easily share websites with colleagues, family, or friends, and see what tabs others are looking at in real time.
Users are also able to build a list of bookmarks on a shared Start Page to help kickstart any group project. They’re also able to start a Messages conversation or FaceTime call with everyone in the group, in Safari.
The tech giant is also introducing Stage Manager which automatically organises apps and windows so users can concentrate on the task at hand and still see everything in a single glance.
When enabled, the current window they’re working on is displayed prominently in the centre, while other windows appear on the left so they can seamlessly switch between tasks. Users can also create groups of windows or apps when working on specific tasks or projects.
Lastly, Apple also claims that macOS security is even stronger, which organisations will be pleased to hear. The tech company said this makes the Mac more resistant to attacks with new tools like Rapid Security Response, which works between normal updates to easily keep security up to date.
What other features are in macOS Ventura?
There is a range of new features Apple is introducing with the new operating system. It has revealed Continuity Camera, where Mac users can use their iPhone as a webcam. When the device is nearby, a user’s Mac should be able to automatically recognise and use the iPhone’s camera.
Desk View taps into the Ultra Wide camera on the iPhone to simultaneously show the user’s face and an overhead view of their desk, which Apple says is useful for DIY videos, hands-on presentations, and more.
Moreover, a feature called Handoff is now available on FaceTime, so users are able to begin a FaceTime call on one Apple device and seamlessly transfer the call to another Apple device nearby. This means users can start a call on their iPhone or iPad and move the call to their Mac once they get to their home or office.
Mail now gives users the ability to schedule messages, cancel delivery of a message before it reaches a recipient’s inbox, and add links for better content previews. It can also detect if an attachment or recipient is missing and remind the sender to add them. Search in Mail has also been improved to make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for as soon as they click search.
Apple has also made improvements to Messages. Users are also able to edit or undo a recently sent message or even mark a message as unread if they’re unable to respond at the time.
Collaborating is easier as users now have the option to share a file in Messages and automatically give everyone on the thread access. Activity updates appear at the top of the thread as everyone goes in and makes edits to the shared document.
Spotlight has also been updated to include new features and an updated design. Users can now use it to find images in their photo library, the web, and across the system in apps like Messages or Notes.
Source: ITPro By: Zach Marzouk